What is the Difference Between Kebab and Souvlaki

Kebab and souvlaki are both delicious dishes made with grilled meat. They are often served in pita bread or wraps with toppings like onions, tomatoes, and sauces. However, they come from different cultures.

What is the difference between Kebab and Souvlaki? Kebab is a popular dish from the Middle East, whereas souvlaki is a classic Greek street food.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Kebab  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Souvlaki
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Kebab and Souvlaki
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Kebab and Souvlaki
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Kebab and Souvlaki
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Kebab, Souvlaki, Grilled Meat

What is Kebab

Kebab is a well-loved dish that originally came from the Middle East and has now spread to many countries around the world. It typically features marinated meat—like lamb, beef, or chicken—grilled on a skewer. In Middle Eastern regions, lamb is the most commonly used meat. Pork kebabs are rare due to religious reasons. The grilled meat is often served in a pita or wrap, along with toppings such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, and sometimes with sauces like yogurt or tahini for added flavor.

There are many different versions of kebab depending on the region. Two of the most popular types are doner kebab and shish kebab. Doner kebab is made by stacking meat (usually lamb or chicken) on a vertical spit and slicing off the cooked parts as it rotates, whereas shish kebab is made by skewering small pieces of meat and grilling them over an open flame.

Kebab is often a street food because it’s easy to find at food stalls and is quick to prepare. You can also find it in many Middle Eastern restaurants and fast food chains.

What is Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular Greek fast food made from marinated meat grilled on a skewer. The word “souvlaki” comes from souvla, meaning skewer. Traditional recipes use pork, but chicken, lamb, or beef are also common. You can eat it straight off the skewer like a kebab, wrap it in warm pita with tomatoes, onions, and yogurt, or enjoy it over fresh veggies.

One simple version, called kalamaki, includes grilled pork or chicken on a wooden stick, seasoned with salt, oregano, and a bit of pepper, and served with lemon and bread or pita.

Similarities Between Kebab and Souvlaki

1. Both are popular street foods available around the world.
2. Both are made with marinated meat grilled on skewers.
3. People often serve them in pita bread or wraps with toppings like onions, tomatoes, and sauces.
4. They have regional variations.

Difference Between Kebab and Souvlaki

Definition

• Kebab is a Middle Eastern dish made of marinated meat (like lamb, chicken, or beef) grilled on a skewer or cooked on a spit, whereas Souvlaki is a Greek dish of marinated meat (often pork) grilled on a skewer.

Origin

• Kebab originated in the Middle East, whereas souvlaki originated in Greece.

Meat Used

• Kebab commonly uses lamb, chicken, or beef, while souvlaki traditionally uses pork in Greece but also includes chicken, lamb, or beef.

Cooking Method

• Kebab can be grilled on a skewer (shish kebab) or cooked on a vertical spit (doner kebab), while souvlaki is grilled on a skewer over charcoal, usually served straight or in pita.

FAQ: Kebab and Souvlaki

1. Are kebab and souvlaki the same?

No, kebab and souvlaki are not the same. The main difference between kebab and souvlaki is their origins. Kebab comes from the Middle East, while souvlaki is a Greek dish.

2. What is the difference between pork kebabs and souvlaki?

The main difference is where they come from and their seasoning. Pork kebabs are from the Middle East and often include bold spices. Souvlaki is Greek, usually seasoned with oregano and lemon, and grilled simply.

3. What is the difference between souvlaki and gyros?

The main difference between souvlaki and gyros is their cooking method. Souvlaki is made with small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer, while gyros are made from meat cooked on a vertical spit and sliced thin. 

4. Why is it called a souvlaki?

The word souvlaki comes from the Greek word souvla, which means “skewer.” Since souvlaki is small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer, the name simply means “little skewer” in Greek.

5. Is shawarma different from kebab?

Yes, shawarma is different from kebab. Shawarma is made from meat cooked on a vertical spit and shaved off, while kebab usually means meat grilled on a skewer.

Reference:

1. “A Beginner’s Guide to Souvlaki.” This Is Athens.
2. “Kebab.”Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Authentic Turkish Grilled Kebabs in Diyarbakır” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Souvlaki 1” By pastitio –  (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia